“We are worried that Bwala’s continued detention without bail or trial is a breach of his fundamental rights and a potent threat to civil liberties in this democracy.

“Social justice and civil liberties are fundamental human rights, and not at the discretion of the state.

“It is in this regard that we call on those holding him illegally to immediately release him to his family and refrain from using federal institutions as a tool for vendetta and mischief,” he said.

The Borno State Police commissioner, Damian Chukwu, had earlier said the journalist either participated or instigated an attack on the current Borno State Deputy Governor, Usman Durkwa, during the last general election.

The accused and the alleged victim are from the same Hawul Local Government Area of Borno.

“Bwala was arrested in connection with the incident that happened sometimes in 2015 general election, when some group of persons went to attack Mr. Durkwa and beat him to stupor,” the police commissioner said.